Insta//Recap 14.11

one. // During our road trip/move to California we stopped in Albuquerque to spend time with Matthew’s family. It was a short visit but I was grateful to get to explore with Matthew, his sister and my brother, who flew out to CO to help us with the drive. The day was a blur as we drove from one end of the ABQ to the other [and then back again] to see the sights, including Old Town Albuquerque [photo] and dine at some of Matthew’s favorite local spots.

two. // Once we arrived at Vandenberg AFB we spent several days in base lodging. Then I was thrilled when the movers showed up only 24 hours after we got the keys to our new apartment.

three. // We unpacked everything in less than a week! I was determined to get this new place “put-together” and organized as soon as possible. After movers, and cleaners, and staying at my parents for several days, a road trip to Califorina, staying in base lodging, a new apartment, and more movers I was feeling a bit… displaced. And overwhelmed. Getting everything unpacked as soon as possible has definitely helped me feel more settled.

four. // I live minutes from a beach now. Several beaches actually. How lucky am I? To be able to walk barefoot in the sand whenever I want? And the weather… Well, I’ll try not to brag (too much). It is gorgeous. And warm. And perfect. However, despite my scenic and temperate surroundings, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the pangs of homesickness I feel on a daily basis. They seem to dull with each passing day but initially struck me with a ferocity I was not expecting. I miss you Colorado, or more precisely, I miss your people. It’s lonely in a new town.

five. // I am the proud owner of a glamorous pair of Ghost Chairs! I have always loved this style of chair (and they’re surprisingly comfortable). With limited space in our new place, I am working on putting together a dinning room set for two. Now I’m just waiting on a table. Ikea, you have done me a great disservice by sending a damaged one. It looks like we will be having Thanksgiving dinner on our couch.

six. // Working from home is providing a full array of challenges. Namely, fear and self doubt. It’s a blessing and a curse to be a full-time-putting-your-dreams-into-action kind of gal. Perfectionism is part of the problem. But I’m plugging along (while trying to figure out what the heck I’m doing). A solid business plan, I am currently lacking but I do have hustle. I’ll be okay.

Solvang. What a cool town. Matthew and I ventured south about thirty minutes to spend an afternoon revisiting this charming little Danish village (complete with a Danish Christmas store and plenty of Danish Bakeries).

seven. // There is an over abundance of delicious fare in Solvang. It doesn’t really seem fair (especially having to choose). Matthew and I decided on Succulent Cafe for lunch and it was amazing! I do not say this lightly. I love food. I LIVE for food. And Succulent Cafe was a foodie’s dream, especially for one who is vegetarian. I usually have one to two food options at any given restaurant (one of those being salad. ugh.) but I truly had the hardest time deciding between all of my options at this place. I’m planning at least 4 trips back to sample other dishes. It only seems right.

eight. // Wine. WINE. Oh my, the wine out here. I come from the land of the micro-brewery and craft-distillery but I’ve always been a wino at heart. Though I am by no means an aficionado. However, spend enough time out here and it could happen. To be clear, ‘here’ is the Central Coast of Califoria, also referred to as Santa Barbara Wine Country. Matthew and I went to our first tasting room since moving here [read more on Insta] and we immediately signed up for their wine club. Wine Club? What? I had no idea such things existed. But they do. And I’m a member, which means I get really good wine sent to me 3 times a year. Yes.

[Side Note: The astute observer may notice I’m wearing the same cardi-cami-combo in the last two pics. Yes. Those were two different outings on two different days. I work from home now, which means I might wear the same outfit twice in a three day period. Don’t judge me.]

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